5 Leo Wu C-Dramas That Showcase His Enduring Charm And Versatility
There is no denying that Leo Wu is the reigning prince of hearts when it comes to C-dramas. His clean good looks apart, the 24-year-old actor has cast a spell on fans and audiences with his endearing characters and nuanced performances. From sports, romance, historical sagas, as well as coming-of-age narratives, Leo Wu has struck a chord with his endearing charm and acting chops.
No stranger to the spotlight, Leo Wu started as a child star with several hits to his credit and was anointed as the nation’s younger brother. As he transitioned to playing the male lead, his charismatic appeal has made him the ultimate poster boy of cool, with his ever-growing fanbase being a testimony of it.
“Amidst a Snowstorm of Love”
Leo Wu immortalized the character of Lin Yi Yang in the heart-fluttering romance “Amidst a Snowstorm of Love.” A maverick snooker genius, Lin Yi Yang, retired from the game at age 16 and moved far away from home to Finland. It’s been 11 long years since he returned home or to the sport, focusing on studies and his doctorate in marketing and communications. Though he no longer competes, he is devoted to the sport and its development, as he continues to practice and nurture young talent. A chance meeting with an upcoming snooker champ, Yin Guo (Zhao Jin Mai), changes the course of his life. It is love at first sight for the reticent Yi Yang, and as he pursues her in his own way, which comes with a heady mix of raw emotion, passion, and innocence, his life gets the direction he had been seeking. As he returns back to the game, he is also determined to mentor and develop the sport and make it accessible to all.
Li Yi Yang is not just a remarkable sportsman, but he is also caring and lovingly indulgent as a boyfriend. His love for Yin Guo is pure and unconditional, and he can go to any lengths for her happiness. Li Yi Yang is perhaps one of the greenest green flags on screen. Leo Wu scores a perfect 10 in his performance and will sweep you off your feet with his irresistibly sexy charm. The chemistry between Leo Wu and Zhao Jin Mai is one for the books – it’s tinglingly scorching to say the least.
Start watching “Amidst a Snowstorm of Love”:
“Nothing But You”
We see the sporty side of Leo Wu once again in the romantic sports drama “Nothing But You.” He plays 22-year-old Song San Chuan, a former badminton ace who is now a benchwarmer. As he is mocked by some on his inability to compete anymore, San Chuan resigns himself to his fate and has lost the spark that he once had. Liang You An (Zhou Yu Tong) is a 32-year-old executive assistant to the top boss at a sports company. She is a hardworking and driven woman, who is facing a career slump, and she seeks a new challenge. San Chuan and You An meet at a sporting event, and soon after, they strike up a friendship. She sees the spark in him and his resistance as well. He, on the other hand, sees her passion towards her work and is more than happy to help her achieve her goals. Opportunity comes when You An is assigned a cash strapped tennis club with demoralized players, but can she turn its fortunes around? She also encourages San Chuan to switch to tennis, as she has an eye for spotting talent, and San Chuan has it in him. But it is more than game, set, match here, as the love score is what develops off-court. San Chuan has been vocal about his feelings towards her, but she is conscious about their 10-year age gap and her own inability to commit to a relationship. What develops is a steamy romance as these two defy stereotypes and mindsets professionally and personally.
“Nothing But You” is a heartwarming story, and the relationship between San Chuan and You An is one of equals. It’s a mature yet refreshing take on age gap relationships. Leo Wu is lovable as San Chuan, who can be childish at times, but his focus, insights, and empathetic attitude will win everyone over. And the chemistry between Leo Wu and Zhou Yu Tong is adorable, and there are plenty of heart-melting moments.
Start watching “Nothing But You”:
“The Long Ballad”
The year is 626 C.E, and the Tang Dynasty is in shambles after a bloody coup lead by a cunning prince. Li Chang Ge (Dilraba Dilmurat), the sole survivor of the incident, has sworn revenge on her uncle, who had orchestrated the revolt and killed her family. She raises an army to challenge the new emperor, but her best laid plans go awry when she is defeated by the Eastern Turkic Khanate forces led by General Ashi Na Sun (Leo Wu). Though he keeps her as a worthy and strategic pawn, the two form an alliance and a military partnership to take down the common enemy. But, little do they realize, the partnership goes beyond just enemy lines as the two develop feelings for each other.
A large scale epic drama, “The Long Ballad” goes beyond being a mere historical romance. As fact and fiction are seamlessly woven and well-executed, the narrative is driven by strong performances and has one of the best OST’s. The thrilling visuals apart, and despite the show clocking in at nearly 50 episodes, it’s worth investing one’s time in.
Leo Wu is perfectly cast as Ashi Na Sun and gives a nuanced and wholesome performance as the military commander. Dilraba Dilmurat also infuses life into her character, and the two stars are in perfect sync and complement each other.
Start watching “The Long Ballad”:
“Love Like the Galaxy”
Leo Wu once again plays the knight in shining armor in this historical saga. Cheng Chao Shang (Zhao Lu Si) has grown up alone in a town that has been devastated by a bloody war. When the powerful and influential general Ling Bu Yi (Leo Wu) visits the town, he is captivated by Chao Shang and falls hopelessly in love. But Chao Shang is a woman carrying her own scars and emotional burdens and is weary when it comes to trusting others. She warns Bu Yi that she may not be the kind of wife he is looking for, since she has a rebellious streak of her own. Little does she know that Bu Yi is also a man with secrets and with a mysterious past. As the two, who both battle their own emotional scars and traumas, come together, will they eventually find the true and lasting love they both so crave?
“Love Like the Galaxy” is a melodramatic saga, as a slow-burn romance unfolds amongst political intrigue and many betrayals. Given the popularity of both the main leads, fans were not disappointed with the cast and the fiery chemistry between the two. Both Leo Wu and Zhao Lu Si bring forth the complexities of their characters with ease. A physically and emotionally demanding role is deftly handled by the two.
Start watching “Love Like the Galaxy”:
“Upcoming Summer”
“Upcoming Summer” is a bittersweet coming-of-age story of first love, friendship, heartbreak, and the road to adulthood. When Chen Chen (Zhang Zi Feng) fails the college entrance exam, it is her passive rebellion against her parents. She further dramatizes the entire incident, citing a breakup with her nonexistent boyfriend. The made up boyfriend in question is Zheng Yu Xing (Leo Wu), a cool, brash student. Yu Xing is a celebrity of sorts in school, given his social media presence, and has not even bothered with appearing for the exam. To Chen’s horror, Yu Xing is in her new class, which comprises of other students who are also retaking the entrance exam. When Chen’s mother informs the teacher about their “breakup,” Yu Xing is reprimanded by the teacher and is told to keep away from Chen. But Yu Xing is bemused at the absurdity of the entire situation since he does not know Chen at all.
Despite the oddity of their initial meeting, these two strike a unique friendship. Both are overwhelmed with their situations: Chen with her parents and their relationship, and Yu Xing, who is emotionally drawn and involved with an older woman. Yu Xing lives for music and wants to embark on a career as a DJ. With him, Chen experiences liberation from the mundanity of her life and finds herself falling for him.
“Upcoming Summer” addresses issues from peer pressure and parental expectations and the freedom to choose your own path. As these two teens navigate life and its many obstacles, they form a deep bond of mutual respect and understanding. Leo Wu once again impresses as the rebellious Yu Xing, and his screen partnership with Zhang Zi Feng is cute.
Hey Soompiers, which one of these is your favorite Leo Wu drama? Let us know all about it in the comments below!
Puja Talwar is a Soompi writer with a strong Yang Yang and Lee Junho bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.
Currently watching: “Serendipity’s Embrace”
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